As distinguished public servant and industrial leader, the Honorable Robert T. Stevens has rendered a lifetime of outstanding service to the United States and its citizens. In multiple fields of endeavor and in positions of extraordinary responsibility, Robert T. Stevens has exemplified, through his accomplishments in the national interest and manner of achievement, the ideals of West Point expressed in the motto, “Duty, Honor, Country.”

Beginning with military service as a second lieutenant of artillery during World War I, Robert T. Stevens’ public and private service has spanned more than a quarter of our nation’s history. During that period he was responsible for developing and operating one of the largest and most diversified industrial organizations in the world. He served on the National Defense Advisory Commission, as Chairman of the Business Council for the Department of Commerce, as Director and Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, as a member of the Board of Visitors to the United States Military Academy and as Secretary of the Army. To each of these important governmental posts, he brought a unique knowledge of American industrial capability and power, a selfless dedication to the welfare of his country and its military forces and a combination of courage and integrity which has become a symbol and example of the finest in public service.

Robert T. Stevens’ life and achievements have been especially interrelated with the United States Army. His service to the Army, whether performed on active duty in two wars, as the senior, responsible civilian or as friend, has been marked by an unusually deep concern for the capability of the Army to perform its mission and for the welfare of men and women in uniform. Throughout his life, he has applied his special talents and energy to the promotion of the Army and its people in the national interest.

Through his lifetime of service to his country, Robert T. Stevens has made a significant and lasting contribution to the welfare and security of the United States. His invariable response to the call of duty and his willingness to serve when needed symbolize and reflect the values expressed in the West Point motto. Accordingly, the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy hereby awards the 1977 Sylvanus Thayer Award to Robert T. Stevens.